The first time your baby visited the hospital nursery, she probably came back wrapped in a neat little package with only her fuzzy little head poking out. That's because nurses know one of the secrets to a happy, calm baby: swaddling.
Swaddling is an ancient method for wrapping newborns in a thin blanket or cloth. It’s adorable (who doesn’t love a baby burrito!), but it also serves the all-important purpose of helping your sweet pea stay calm and sleep more soundly. Here's how:
- A swaddle helps your baby feel safe and secure as she adjusts to life outside the womb.
- Swaddling helps prevent her from flailing her arms and legs, which can trigger her startle reflex and potentially cause her to wake up.
- A swaddle keeps your baby cozy and warm until her internal thermostat kicks into gear.
In short, there are lots of good reasons to try this age-old practice. But figuring out how to do it yourself can be a little intimidating (especially when you’re feeling bleary-eyed).
Here's a step-by-step guide for how to swaddle a newborn like a pro, the keys for sticking with safe swaddling techniques and when it’s time to stop.
How to swaddle, step-by-step
Getting your swaddling skills down-pat may seem a little daunting, but wrapping up your baby only takes a few steps.
Here’s how to swaddle with a blanket, including how to swaddle a baby with arms out (if that’s what your little one prefers!), plus tips on how to manage swaddling a wiggly baby:
Step 1: Find a flat surface.
Spread your baby’s swaddle blanket out in the shape of a diamond with one corner pointing up on a flat surface (like the middle of your bed). Fold the top corner down about 6 inches.
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Step 2: Place your baby face-up on the blanket.
Her head should sit above the folded edge of the blanket, and her body should extend straight down toward the bottom corner.
Step 3: Straighten your baby’s left arm.
Then take the left side of the blanket and wrap it over her left arm and chest. Tuck the blanket underneath her right arm and her back. At this point your baby’s left arm will be covered but her right arm will be free.
Step 4: Bring up the bottom.
Fold the bottom corner of the blanket up over your baby’s body and tuck it under the first fold, under her chin. Straighten your baby’s right arm and pull the right side of the blanket over your baby’s body and tuck it under her left side.
Step 5: Secure the blanket.
Loosely twist the bottom of the blanket and tuck it underneath your baby.
A few important things to keep in mind: The swaddle should be snug, but not too tight. You should be able to place two to three fingers between your baby’s chest and the blanket, and the blanket should be loose around her hips so she can move her legs freely.
If your baby seems to prefer having her arms free, it’s fine to leave one or both arms out of the swaddle.
If your baby is too wiggly for you to get a snug swaddle, take a break and give your little one a few minutes to get her squirmies out before trying again. But if it seems like your baby is always trying to wriggle out of her swaddle, she simply might not be a fan (not all babies are!) or might be getting too active for swaddling.
In both cases, it’s a good idea to consider trying an alternative swaddle (like a swaddle wrap that comes with Velcro or zipper closures) or calling it quits altogether, since a kicked-off blanket while your baby is sleeping can pose a suffocation or strangulation risk.
Is the method for how to swaddle a preemie any different? Swaddling is just as soothing for premature babies as it is for full-term newborns. But consider bringing her hands together on her chest in front of her instead of straightened at her sides, which can be more comforting for some preemies.
Chances are you’ll become a swaddling expert in no time. But if you’re feeling unsure, ask your baby’s pediatrician. He or she can check your swaddle skills and share some helpful pointers if you aren’t getting it quite right.
How to swaddle with a wrap
Like the idea of swaddling but don’t want to use a blanket? Swaddle wraps with Velcro tabs or zippers are as safe as blankets and deliver the same benefits without the need for any folding or tucking. The specific instructions vary depending on which wrap you buy. But they generally tend to be easier to master than blankets and are much less likely to come untucked.
Is swaddling safe?
Baby sleep and blankets don’t usually mix, so does that make swaddling dangerous?
It’s true that swaddling isn’t entirely risk-free. But the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that swaddling can encourage your newborn to snooze better — as long as it’s done correctly and practiced in accordance with other safe sleep guidelines.
Swaddle blankets that are too loose or that come unwrapped during sleep could cover a baby’s face and create the potential for suffocation.
The risk is compounded by the fact that swaddled babies tend to sleep extra soundly. So if their faces do get covered by swaddle blankets, they might be less likely to wake up and change positions.
Swaddle blankets that are too snug, especially around your baby’s hips, aren’t good either. Tight swaddles prevent your baby from straightening or bending her legs can hurt her hips, joints and cartilage.
To encourage healthy hip development, the bottom of the swaddle should be loose enough for your baby’s legs to stay bent up and out, like they naturally would in a newborn lying on her back without a swaddle. You'll also want to ensure the swaddle allows your baby to straighten and stretch her legs at will.
Wrapping your baby the right way will encourage your little one to sleep more soundly while giving you peace of mind (so you can get some sleep yourself!). Some important swaddling safety tips to keep in mind:
- Swaddle snugly, but not too snugly. At the top of the swaddle, you should be able to fit two to three fingers between the blanket and your baby’s chest. The bottom of the swaddle should be loose enough so your baby’s legs stay bent and flared out.
- Always put your baby to sleep on her back. It’s the safest position, whether you’re swaddling or not. Be sure to tuck the bottom of the blanket underneath your baby too.
- Keep your baby cool. Swaddling could cause overheating, which can raise the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Keep the room at a comfortable temperature (between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round). And resist the urge to bundle your baby in extra layers — a pair of pajamas and the swaddle blanket are likely enough to keep her comfy. Sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash and rapid breathing are all possible signs that your baby might be too hot. As a general rule of thumb, dress your baby in one more layer than you would wear.
- Swaddle for nighttime sleep and naps. Swaddling can help your baby sleep more soundly during the day and at night. If tucking her into a little burrito blanket for hours overnight makes you nervous, know that as long as you stick with safe swaddling and sleep guidelines, swaddling at bedtime isn’t any riskier than swaddling during naps. You’ll also have plenty of built-in opportunities to check on her, since she’s waking frequently to eat. But if checking her swaddle while she sleeps gives you extra peace of mind, feel free to peek more often.
Is it okay not to swaddle a newborn?
Plenty of parents swear that swaddling is key for soothing their newborns. But if your baby doesn’t seem to be a fan, you might be wondering whether it’s absolutely necessary.
The truth is that not every baby loves swaddling. Some seem to find swaddles restrictive and will try to fight their way free every time. So if getting wrapped up makes your baby more crazed than calm, you don’t have to do it.
Before giving up completely though, you might want to experiment with some alternatives. If your baby seems to want her arms out, try leaving her arms out of the swaddle blanket. The extra freedom might make swaddling more appealing to her.
Got a little one who loves to kick? She might do better with a Velcro tab swaddle (they’re harder to kick off, and some secure baby’s arms with swaddle "wings") or a zip-up cocoon or sleep-sack-swaddle hybrid (which allows for more leg movement).
You might have to try a few different swaddles to find the one your baby likes best — but once you do, stock up on a few so you have extras on hand in case of diaper leaks or spit-up.
And if none seem to be the right fit? Feel free to move on. There's no need to force your baby into a swaddle if she doesn’t like it.
When to stop swaddling
Swaddling can be a smart move for newborns. But it’s dangerous for older babies who can break free from their blankets. Being wrapped up can interfere with healthy development for older babies too, since it prevents them from practicing age-appropriate motor skills.
So at what age should you stop swaddling? You’ll want to quit once your little one becomes more active and starts to try to roll over, which might occur as early as 2 months, but usually happens by around 3 or 4 months.
Even after your baby grows out of swaddling, though, she’s still too young to sleep with a blanket. To keep her cozy while continuing to stick with safe sleep guidelines, try a sleep sack. These wearable blankets add an extra layer of warmth, and some come with features designed to help babies transition away from their swaddles more comfortably.
Swaddling can be intimidating at first, but rest assured: Parents have been wrapping their babies to sleep for ages, and with so many opportunities to practice, you’ll quickly perfect your technique too.
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